Characteristics and factors of alcohol consumption among Korean male workers

Abstract

Aims: To identify the characteristics and factors that contribute to alcohol consumption among Korean male workers.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 667 male workers who reported social drinking. Multiple regression was used to identify significant factors of alcohol consumption that was estimated using two measures: frequency of alcohol drinking per week and quantity of alcohol consumed on the same occasion.

Findings: The participants were young adults with a mean age of 37 years, college-educated (87%) and white-collar workers (70%). The significant predictors of the frequency of alcohol drinking per week were spending more than US$100 for drinking per month, having more than three dinner gatherings with coworkers per month, and having more than three family members with drinking-related problems. The significant predictors of the quantity of alcohol consumed on the same occasion were preference for high-ethanol liquor, perception of being unhealthy and the stage after entering high school as the youngest age of their drinking.

Conclusion: Effective strategies to reduce alcohol consumption among Korean male workers should be implemented.